Investigative radiology
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Investigative radiology · Aug 2009
Morphologic and dynamic renal imaging with assessment of glomerular filtration rate in a pcy-mouse model using a clinical 3.0 Tesla scanner.
OBJECTIVE Morphologic and dynamic renal imaging is necessary for characterization of kidney function in renal insufficiency. Assessment of renal perfusion and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are essential, as the serum creatinine level and urea are not sensitive at an early stage of kidney damage. Currently available GFR estimation methods are time consuming, expensive, and lead to radiation exposure for the patient. Therefore, the aim was to determine the feasibility of morphologic and contrast-enhanced dynamic magnetic resonance imaging for GFR assessment in pcy (polycystic kidneys and fibrosis) mice, using a clinical 3.0 Tesla scanner. ⋯ Application of dedicated coils with a clinical 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance-scanner have proved feasible for morphologic and dynamic renal imaging with assessment of GFR in pcy-mice.
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Investigative radiology · Aug 2009
Comparative StudyThree-dimensional imaging of pulmonary veins by a novel steady-state free-precession magnetic resonance angiography technique without the use of intravenous contrast agent: initial experience.
To evaluate the feasibility of 3-dimensional (3D) steady-state free-precession (SSFP) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) using nonselective radiofrequency excitation for imaging of pulmonary veins (PVs) without intravenous gadolinium chelate and to correlate the results with conventional contrast-enhanced MRA (CE-MRA). ⋯ Our study shows that 3D depiction of PVs without intravenous contrast is feasible with nonslice-selective SSFP MRA. This novel MRA technique may be used in certain patients with atrial fibrillation to assess the number and size of PV ostia draining to the left atrium prior to radiofrequency ablation.
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Investigative radiology · Aug 2009
Unsupervised fully automated inline analysis of global left ventricular function in CINE MR imaging.
To implement and evaluate the accuracy of unsupervised fully automated inline analysis of global ventricular function and myocardial mass (MM). To compare automated with manual segmentation in patients with cardiac disorders. ⋯ Unsupervised fully automated segmentation and contouring during image reconstruction enables an accurate evaluation of global systolic cardiac function.
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Investigative radiology · Jul 2009
Effects of magnetic resonance image interpolation on the results of texture-based pattern classification: a phantom study.
To (1) determine whether magnetic resonance (MR) image interpolation at the pixel or k-space level can improve the results of texture-based pattern classification, and (2) compare the effects of image interpolation on texture features of different categories, with regard to their ability to distinguish between different patterns. ⋯ MR image interpolation has the potential to improve the results of pattern classification, based on COC, RUN, and GRA features. Unless spatial resolution is very poor, zero-filling is the interpolation technique of choice, with a recommended maximum interpolation factor of 4.
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Investigative radiology · Jul 2009
Biphasic blood pool contrast agent-enhanced whole-body MR angiography for treatment planning in patients with significant arterial stenosis.
To prospectively evaluate diagnostic accuracy of first pass and combined first pass and steady state high-spatial-resolution whole-body magnetic resonance (MR) angiography with a blood pool contrast agent for quantification of arterial stenosis in different vascular territories. ⋯ The quantification and detection of arterial stenosis is improved by the steady state high-resolution gadofosveset trisodium-enhanced MR angiography. Additional lesions detected by whole-body examination strategy or differences in stenosis quantification may lead to changes in therapy.